MEDIA ADVISORY:ICOC TO ADDRESS PERMANENT CIRM HEADQUARTERS, APPOINTEES FOR GRANTS REVIEW AND STANDARDS WORKING GROUPS

EMERYVILLE, CA— This Friday (5/6/05), the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (ICOC) for the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) will make its final decision on the city and site for its permanent headquarters.

WHO: Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee

WHAT: The 29 members of ICOC will consider recommendations from the Site Search Subcommittee announced at its meeting on May 2 and hear presentations from the representatives of San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Diego, the top three scoring cities, in order to make its final decision on the permanent headquarters for the CIRM. The ICOC will also consider appointments to the Working Groups for Grant Review and Standards of the CIRM, as recommended by each group’s respective Search Subcommittee.

WHEN: FRIDAY, MAY 6/8:00 A.M.—5:30 P.M. (Estimated)

WHERE: FRESNO Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center Exhibit Hall 2nd Floor 848 M Street Fresno, CA 93721

WHY: The ICOC is responsible for the oversight and management of the CIRM, which was established in 2004 with the passage of Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative. The statewide ballot measure, which provided $3 billion in funding for stem cell research at California universities and research institutions, was approved by California voters, and called for the establishment of an entity to make grants and provide loans for stem cell research, research facilities, and other vital research opportunities.

Note to Media: Members of the Site Search Subcommittee will be available for comment and to answer questions at a time to be determined, based on meeting schedule. A media work room will also be set up in meeting room 2019 of the Convention & Entertainment Center.

CONTACT:
Nicole Pagano
Adam Silber
510/450-2418
510/812-3248 After Hours